CEDARVILLE — The Marine Trades Institute partnered with Superior Industrial Solutions to host a hands-on technical workshop in January that trained students in mold repair and vacuum infusion preparation.
Superior Industrial Solutions representatives Chad Kuipers and Joe Hartley visited the institute for a multi-day session that included professional-grade materials such as fiberglass, vinyl ester resins and structural putties.
During the workshop, students completed a restoration of a boat mold. The process began with reinforcing the backside of the mold, including sanding for surface preparation to achieve a mechanical bond.
Students filled cracks and voids with structural putty, reinforced ribs with fiberglass and sealed seams to ensure the mold was vacuum tight, according to the institute.
After repairs were completed, the mold was flipped, vacuum-bagged and held under vacuum. Students also learned about resin and catalyst mixing and the importance of monitoring ambient temperature for curing.
“We are incredibly thankful for industry partnerships like the one we share with Superior Industrial Solutions,” Eric Renshaw, lead instructor in the Boat Building program, said. “These collaborations ensure our students graduate with the specific, high-demand skills that the marine industry requires.”
Kuipers and Hartley are scheduled to return to the Marine Trades Institute in February for the next phase of training. The class is set to build a canoe using the mold prepared during the January session.
The Marine Trades Institute is a nonprofit educational institution that offers programs in boat building, marine technology and other specialized certifications. The institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and is recognized as a Silver Star Veteran Friendly School for the 2025-26 school year.
More information is available at www.marinetrades.edu.